CREWE Alexandra “would love” to keep loanee Callum Cooke at the club on a permanent basis, assistant manager Kenny Lunt says.

The 20-year-old midfielder has been an impressive performer since arriving at Gresty Road from Premier Division side Middlesbrough, scoring four goals in 17 appearances.

Cooke has also racked up plenty of assists and, while retaining a hope of keeping him at The Alex, Lunt believes the youngster can challenge for first-team football at his parent club.

“We would love to have kept Callum because he has been exceptional for us,” he told crewealex.net.

“I am unsure whether we will be able to do that but I am sure we will ask the question.

“Callum has done really well and I am sure he has enjoyed the experience.

“I’m sure he will go back to Middlesbrough in pre-season and try his best to get closer to their first-team squad.”

Another loan player whose future is uncertain is striker Jordan Bowery, who has also been impressive during his short-term move from Leyton Orient.

Despite their relegation from League Two and their increasing financial woes, the former Aston Villa man is still contracted to the O’s, meaning Lunt was reluctant to be drawn about the possibility of keeping him at Gresty Road.

However, the Crewe assistant admitted they are looking to sign a striker in Bowery’s mould during the off-season.

“I can only talk about what Jordan has done for us and he has been fantastic for us,” he said.

“He has helped Chris Dagnall score the goals we needed, but he is still Leyton Orient’s player and I don’t like to talk about other people’s players.

“He is contracted with them and all I can say is that he has done well for us.

“We could do with that type of centre-forward, someone who can hold the ball up, can head and is a decent footballer as well.

“If Jordan can add goals to his game then he could play higher.”

Despite an impressive performance at title-chasing Plymouth Argyle on Saturday which saw them lead at half time through James Jones, The Alex slipped to a 2-1 defeat.

They now sit 17th in the League Two table going into the final game of the season against Barnet at Gresty Road on Saturday, kick off 5.30pm.

Their league status is secure, but Lunt wants his side to finish the season on a high.

“There is one game to go and there are a lot of things to think about,” he said.

“We are treating the final game like the first one. We want to do everything we can to send the fans home happy.”